Development works needed with security measures in Maoist hit areas, feels Jairam Ramesh

BHUBANESWAR: Maintaining that mineral rich areas are worst hit by Maoist menace, union minister Jairam Ramesh sought a change in mindset about mining and said political and development activities are as important as security measures to tackle Maoist problem.

"Wherever there are mines we face Maoist activities.... We need to change our mindset about mining operations and work for tribal-oriented development," the Panchayat and Rural Development Minister told reporters.

Stating that security measures alone would not help curb left wing extremism (LWE), Ramesh said the only way to meet the challenge was to start political and development activities in Maoist-affected areas besides undertaking security operations.

Citing the example of Junglemahal in West Bengal, he said steps should be taken for political mobilisation in Maoist-hit areas, particularly among tribal population, and strengthening basic infrastructure in backward regions.

Referring to the special area development plan (SADP) taken up by the Union Rural Development Ministry, Ramesh said Malkangiri-Sukma area of Odisha and Chhattisgarh has been identified for implementation of the programme at a cost of about Rs 300 crore in next two years.

Malkangiri-Sukuma belt is the third such area where the plan is going to be implemented after it was taken up recently in Saranda and Latehar areas of Jharkhand.

Basic infrastructure facilities like roads and bridges would be constructed in the naxal-hit belt to spur development and involve the locals in the process, he said adding he had already spoken to the Chhattisgarh chief minister in this regard and would soon talk to Odisha chief minister too.